Columbus firefighters seek stronger penalties for fires

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Fire Fighters Union is urging lawmakers to get tougher with people who set fires to celebrate Ohio State victories.

In an open letter, union president Jack Reall says it's time for a "Hostile Open Burning Law" that would treat the fire starters as felons and slap them with penalties harsh enough to discourage others from doing the same thing.

Police said couches, mattresses and trash bins were burned as part of some 40 fires set in student neighborhoods near Ohio State after its win over Texas Saturday night. Seventeen people were arrested, including five who were charged with arson-related offenses.